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The Cowleys have been long-term admirers of Pett since their non-league days.

“Tom’s a boy we know very, very well. We locked horns initially in the Ryman Premier Division when he was at Wealdstone against my Concord team,” said Cowley.

“He was always a thorn in our side, either creating or scoring goals. Following his move to Stevenage [in the 2014], we’ve followed his career closely.

“He’s proved himself as a top, top player in League Two and, for me, he has the potential to be a top player in the division above.

“He’s very ambitious. There’s really alignment in our ambitions and his ambitions.”

Tom Pett in action against the Imps for Stevenage in September (Image: Andrew Vaughan/CameraSport)

Pett can operate in the centre of midfield and out wide, which Cowley says will give him tactical flexibility.

“He will bring us an energy, he’s a fantastic presser and he has a real calmness in possession as well,” added Cowley.

“He’s able to find space, he’s a dribbler and a ball carrier, he’s takes people on, he links the play and he creates and scores goals.

“He’s a very exciting player. The fact he can play out wide and in the middle of midfield gives me tactical flexibility. Because he gives so much to the team defensively and without the ball, he allows you to play another attacking player. We’re delighted to have him with us.”

Scott Wharton

Meanwhile, the arrival of left-footed Wharton, 20, from League One Blackburn increased Cowley’s defensive options.

“We saw Scott play a lot at Cambridge [on loan] last year. He did very well there. He’s a left-footed defender so he will bring balance to our defence,” said Cowley.

“He’s a player Blackburn think an awful lot of. He’s a young centre-half with an old-fashioned style. Some of centre-halves nowadays want to be attackers, while Scott defends first. He’s incredibly brave and has that ability to see danger and put fires out. We’re delighted to have him with us as well.”

Ryan Allsop in action for one of his former clubs, Coventry

Lincoln completed what would prove to be their final signing of the transfer window by bringing in Allsop on loan for the rest of the season from Premier League Bournemouth.

“He’s played in the Premier League and the Championship and has played over 100 games. He’s a really good keeper,” said Cowley.

The trio joined fellow January signings defender James Wilson, winger Jordan Williams and midfielder Lee Frecklington.